as in sympathetic
allowing a lot of freedom and not punishing bad behavior in a strong way
a teacher who is lenient with students who have misbehaved The public was outraged by the lenient sentence the corrupt banker received.
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Recent Examples of lenient
Other experts agree that the seasons ahead will see the rise of aesthetics that have more lenient formulas, as well as new (or hybrid) versions of past trends that don’t necessarily require building a wardrobe from scratch.
—
Ebony-Renee Baker, refinery29.com, 21 Jan. 2025
Advocates of more lenient marijuana laws alleged DEA officials had colluded with rescheduling opponents and are hopeful the process will move ahead under President-elect Trump.
—Joseph Choi, The Hill, 18 Jan. 2025
Drunk driving, and the department’s supposedly lenient handling of such cases, has received scrutiny in the past by the Police Commission.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Occasionally, that can result in a plea deal that appears lenient to the public but is consistent with the specific facts of the case and how prior cases have been resolved.
—Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 8 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Ebony-Renee Baker, refinery29.com, 21 Jan. 2025
Advocates of more lenient marijuana laws alleged DEA officials had colluded with rescheduling opponents and are hopeful the process will move ahead under President-elect Trump.
—Joseph Choi, The Hill, 18 Jan. 2025
Drunk driving, and the department’s supposedly lenient handling of such cases, has received scrutiny in the past by the Police Commission.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Occasionally, that can result in a plea deal that appears lenient to the public but is consistent with the specific facts of the case and how prior cases have been resolved.
—Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 8 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lenient
Adjective
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No doubt the many sympathetic replies that came her way were sincere.—
Denise Crosby,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2025
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Karin’s a sympathetic reader, and less easily shocked than Johanna’s mom, Kristin (Ane Dahl Torp), with whom she feels compelled to share the novella-like work.—
Nicolas Rapold,
Deadline,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Even with their flaws and subjectivities, human therapists are equipped to hold a compassionate, adaptive space that AI currently can’t replicate.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
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June's story serves as a reminder of the dedication required to rescue and rehabilitate homeless animals, as well as the impact of compassionate individuals willing to go the extra mile.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The island is also home to a wide selection of family friendly all-inclusive resorts, including the luxury all-inclusive Barceló Aruba.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Feb. 2025
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The 20-year-old was called up to the Trinidad & Tobago national team in December for a friendly against Saudi Arabia.—
Braidon Nourse,
The Denver Post,
16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The Church also believes in and supports the efforts of nations to regulate borders and control immigration, provided it is done in a way that is both just and merciful.—
William McCarthy,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Feb. 2025
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The Gospel's beatitudes—blessed are the meek, the merciful, and the peacemakers—stand in stark opposition to the movement's rhetoric of anger and grievance.—
Jonathan Granoff,
Newsweek,
28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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A touch of spandex gives this polyester blend some forgiving stretch, too.—
Miles Walls,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Feb. 2025
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Customers are also more forgiving of mistakes and more willing to support companies that demonstrate a genuine commitment to making a positive impact on the world.—
Vivek Bhaskaran,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Where to Eat Horta, Lido promenade, Funchal Horta, on the pleasant Lido promenade, serves delicious and healthy comfort food.—
Joanne Shurvell,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
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Take advantage of springtime’s pleasant temperatures with a scenic bike ride along the iconic Swamp Rabbit Trail or a picnic with live music at Trailblazer Park.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The pharmaceutical industry thrives on precision and an unwavering commitment to patient outcomes.—
Sivakumar Ramakrishnan,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
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Three doctors who research or treat liver disease said that complications, such as infections or blood clots, are somewhat expected after a transplant, but patient outcomes are generally positive.—
Aria Bendix,
NBC News,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Brittle minerality, acidity and fruitiness in this wine with rounded characteristics; sweet and sour and with gentle, creamy flavors.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
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Both Voloshin and Hendrickson say a gentle soap is the best choice for cleaning.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
23 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenient. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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